Teamsters Celebrate Arbitration Win to Secure 200 Jobs at NetJets

Arbitration Secures Job Stability for NetJets Teamsters Amidst Contentious Sale Attempt

Contact for Press Inquiries: Mark Vandak Phone: (614) 719-9658 Email: mvandak@teamsters284.org

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – In a significant development, an arbitration ruling has successfully halted NetJets' proposed sale of its maintenance operations and the potential displacement of its unionized workforce. This decision ensures that approximately 200 Teamsters jobs at the Columbus maintenance facility will remain intact, reflecting the proactive measures undertaken by Teamsters Local 284 who contested the sale through a grievance.

Mark Vandak, President of Local 284, expressed the union's triumph stating, “This is a major victory for hardworking Teamsters and their families. The International Union, Teamsters Airline Division, Local 284, and our members stood together and defended the job security protections we originally won in contract negotiations. NetJets needs to respect the arbitrator’s decision and its workforce, not threaten them and their families. The Teamsters want labor peace — but we will go to war to protect these members.”

The controversy began when NetJets informed its maintenance staff that a deal had been struck with SA Aero Invest, which would employ them through a controlled entity, thereby continuing their roles as subcontractors on NetJets aircraft in Columbus. As the union pursued arbitration, NetJets issued threats of involuntarily transferring workers to unknown locations should the Teamsters prevail, reinforcing their stance shortly after the arbitrator's resolution was announced.

Longtime NetJets technician and shop steward John Wolfe remarked, “NetJets promised us guaranteed employment, then they tried to break that promise. After we challenged the sale in arbitration, management switched again and threatened our families with involuntary relocation. Today, we won the case, fair and square. NetJets Teamsters want to continue to keep crews and passengers safe by performing critical maintenance in Columbus. The broken promises, retaliation, and threats need to stop.”

Teamsters Local 284 continues to represent workers across Central Ohio in multiple sectors, including transportation, aviation, and government services. Further details can be accessed at teamsters284.org.